Mountain Biking - What am i looking at here

im not sure what parts these are in the circle, can you guys point them out to me. i want to replace these parts but the only thing i know there is the handle bar.

http://web.syr.edu/~ayoung02/Untitled-1%20copy.jpg

1 headset
2 stem
3 stem

Headset - this one is a threaded headset. This means you have a threaded steerer. Make sure you get an appropriate threaded headset as a replacement.
Stem - This is known as a quill stem and is what's used with a threaded headset.
Handlebar

so in the newer bikes you would just have a headset, stem and handle bar like this:

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?s=&postid=152212

i look at mine and newer bikes the newer ones dont have that "extension" btw the handle bar and the headset.

Originally posted by khuon

Headset - this one is a threaded headset. This means you have a threaded steerer. Make sure you get an appropriate threaded headset as a replacement.
Stem - This is known as a quill stem and is what's used with a threaded headset.
Handlebar


so if i were to replace them, i would need to get a threaded piece?

so then i would need to get something like this

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=12679

Newer bikes come with threadless stems, headset and steerers. The steerer tube is attached to the fork. Some forks have replacable steerers. You need to match the stem and headset to the steerer. The threadless stem riser will do you no good because your steerer and quill stem is meant for a threaded steerer. With a threaded steerer and quill stem, you can simply loosen the clamp bolt and raise the stem. A threadless stem does not have an extension that inserts into the steerer tube. It clamps around the outside of the steerer tube and thus cannot be raised in the same manner. The only options for people wanting to raise their stem is to buy a new one with a higher rise, use one of those threadless riser stems you pointed out or get a new steerer (sometimes meaning a whole new fork) and not cut it as short. Note that there are many different types of threadless headset designs. Park Tools has a nice webpage with an explanation of different types of headsets (http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/howfix_headtypes.shtml).

I'm not sure, but looking at the pic if you replace the stem, you might have problems with your brakes, since they seem to be the cantilever type. You might have to get something to hold the cable housing in place like your stem does, or upgrade the brakes to the newer v-brakes.

As far as going for a threadless stem without changing the fork, you can get one of those threadless adaptors that places like PerformanceBike has. They look like a threadless steerer but only from the top ... they have a threaded steerer adaptor in the bottom. This will allow you to run a threadless stem, which in my opinion, looks much better.

I think the whole point of going threadless is to save weight. To do that, however, like khuon said, you will need a new threadless fork.

Here's the link for that adapter:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=1594

Tri-zone carries them to and only $9.99 , they are surprisingly light, I used one on my one bike for quite a while. You can get them to match with a 1 inch or 1 1/8 inch stem.

http://www.tri-zone.com/Catalog/BigPFStemAdapter.html

im thinking about getting a suspension fork, will it make a difference what type of stem i get or use?

Most if not all suspension forks are threadless these days. With this being the case your options are limited to what you can do. It also appears that you have a 1" steer tube. If this is the case then your choices on forks are real limited. In order to change over to suspension (threadless) you would need to obtain not only a fork but, a stem and a headset. For the price of all this you can get a new bike.

that what i was thinking. i was pricing out new parts and it came out to be around 800 bucks for an upgrade. all the parts on my bike with the exception of the pedals, are orginal. even the tubes are original!

If everything is original you might have a collector's item;)